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Crystal Castles

Crystal Castles is an experimental electronic music band formed in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 2004. Originally a duo composed of producer Ethan Kath and vocalist Alice Glass, the group is known for their chaotic live shows and lo-fi melancholic homemade productions. They are named after the Crystal Castles from the 1983 arcade game, although the name also comes with an ironic twist against notions of extravagance and regality. Their music is a mix of dizzying electro-pop, chiptune, and a touch of noise rock, earning them a dedicated following and critical acclaim in the underground music scene.

The band released their debut album "Crystal Castles" in 2008, which was followed up by "Crystal Castles (II)" in 2010 and "(III)" in 2012. These albums featured a mix of aggressive and euphoric dance tracks alongside more subdued soundscapes, creating a unique brand of electronica infused with elements of punk and goth. Alice Glass departed from the band in 2014, and Crystal Castles later introduced a new vocalist, Edith Frances, which led to the release of "Amnesty (I)" in 2016. Despite lineup changes, the sound of Crystal Castles has remained innovative, combining shrill synths, distorted samples, and enigmatic visuals to continually redefine the boundaries of electronic music. Notably, the track "Not In Love," which featured Robert Smith of The Cure on vocals, became one of their most recognized songs, showcasing their ability to bridge the divide between underground and mainstream appeal.

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